My husband bought this book Better Dads, Stronger Sons: How Fathers Can Guide Boys to Become Men of Character after seeing it in the list of Kindle books for less than 2.99 USD.
This is a Christian parenting book for Dads written by Rick Johnson. Reposting his Better Dads, Stronger Sons Book Review book review here (which first appeared in his personal blog www.daddyandthecity.com):
It starts with the premise that being a father is a God given role and needs to be passed on to their sons. While the book is full of insights and advice, I find it lacking in practical tips that I am looking for. Still, it is a great book for Dads like me needing direction on how to raise my son.
The book is very Christ-centered and lifted several accounts on fatherhood from the Bible. Bible texts and references were used several times in the book.
I like the chapter on Mistakes All Dads Make which outlines 10 mistakes that should be corrected. Number One on the list is emphasizing weakness in our sons rather than strengths. Sounds like the macho daddy alright. The list also includes avoiding physical affection, giving little time, and forgetting to have fun. I really need to have all these 10 mistakes posted somewhere.
Rick Johnson never left any stone unturned. It added chapters which can be tough or uncomfortable for dads like on showing love and affection to your wife, respect to other women and discussing sex with your sons. These are very interesting chapters too and very important as well.
With the topics mentioned above, the book can become a lifetime reference. It’s doesn’t just talk about being a dad when your son is a toddler or when your son is in high school. But the topics involve the entire spectrum of fatherhood, even until your son becomes a father himself. There is always something to read again. I think I would keep browsing back on the pages for guidance especially then the father-son tandem needs to be polished.
One thing I didn’t like about the book is there seems to be bias on those who grew up without a father or any positive male mentor. Here’s one of those statements: “Boys who grow up fatherless and without a positive role model often end up jobless, godless and dangerous.” Of course, a negative input would result to a negative output. In fact, the statement above is supported by statistics in the book. But statements like this made it look like its hopeless. But then again, the author doesn’t claim to be a perfect father and is a work in progress himself. The book’s objective is just that – Making us better fathers.
Practical tips were pointed out in the book. Most of them are based on the author’s experience. I was hoping for more examples though and more tips in an outline format. Instead, most of them are narrative stories. Many stories are just heart warming but if you are looking for a checklist to follow to be the most amazing dad, this books won’t be it.
What the book provides instead is a strong Christian foundation for dads in bringing up their sons. It promises transformation in the father-son relationship once these Christian values are followed. The book even have Questions for reflection and discussion at the end of each chapter to better internalize and absorb the points of the book.
Check out more books for Dads from Amazon.com.
